In keeping with tradition the Curve 8530 is a very solid performer when it comes to call quality. Callers rated us as an 8.5/10, saying that we sounded very clear but that they could tell we were on a cell phone. On our end they sounded good as well, although a bit quiet. Callers sounded very close as well, as if they were sitting right next to us. The 4.5 hours of talk time is a noticeable departure from the original Curve’s 6 hours, especially since they use the same battery.

The RIM BlackBerry Curve 8530 is a fine phone, and all things being equal it’s a perfectly acceptable refresh of the 8330. Call quality is good and the OS runs buttery smooth. However, at the current $99 price point we’d spend the extra $50 on the Tour if we had to have a BlackBerry, or pick up more capable phones like the Droid Eris and Palm Pixi for the same price.

4 Comments

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I've had nothing but trouble with my 8530 since I got it with Sprint. It constantly freezes, the battery drains worse than any Blackberry I've ever owned before (including the original Curve and Tour), it's slow as molasses, and it STILL doesn't have Rev. A. I purchased it because it was free for me, and yes, I was aware that it didn't have Rev. A when I purchased it, so I really don't hold that point against the device. I think this will be my last Blackberry, I'll be looking for something else once I'm available for upgrade.

2.Atlantaguy (unregistered)

In the video review, the reviewer discusses the trackpad and how it's hard to make precise moves with it, but you can go into the menu and easily adjust the sensitivity of the trackpad in up to 10 steps. This phone is also available through Virgin Mobile as a non-contract phone, though you have to pay much more for it up front ($249-$299), but their monthly rates are much lower to use it than Verizon, too.
Overall I think this phone is ok. Yes, it feels cheapish, and the camera is only so-so even for a 2MP model. If you're willing to shell out a few dollars for the prepaid version of this, it will pay for itself in just a couple of months or so via the lesser monthly fees. If you go contract, you'll be shelling out $100 or so to use it, and for that much per month, I'd want a super-phone.

3.Robyn Hode (unregistered)

I am with Virgin Mobile (after completing my 2 year contract with T-Mobile) and have the Kyocera Loft. I have been considering upgrading to the Curve 8530 but after this review will wait for VM to offer a better BlackBerry. Now that Sprint has bought them it shouldn't be long till they offer a Bold.
PhoneArena offers the best and most comprehensive reviews. I've read virtually every review of this phone and none tops this one. Thanks!

4.BB8530,yuck! (unregistered)

I love my blackberry as a device, as a phone, I believe it is HORRIBLE! a waste of your money and time. Takes way go long on the Internet and I thought this was supposed to be 3G? if constantly freezes. The wifi.. What wifi? Calls fail 90% of the time.. The apps suck as well. They phone should come empty with know apps leaving it up to the customer to download. I do feel naked without my phone, before all the problems started happening my phone was my everything. The update took 3 hours to finish which I wasn't complaining about, but the fact that it DIDN'T WORK was obnoxious. Other than that I have nothing else to say.

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